What is an entry sensor, and why should I have one in my smart home?
To start with the basics, entry sensors are smart magnetic sensors that are installed on doors and windows and detect whether they are open or closed.
Entry sensors have many different names – door sensors, window sensors, and door and window alarms are just a few of the names you may find these sensors under. But in the end, they all do the same thing.
In this blog post, we’ll answer a few questions you might have surrounding entry sensors:
- How do entry sensors work?
- What can I use an entry sensor for?
- Which entry sensor is the right one for me?
How do entry sensors work?
Wireless door entry sensors consist of two parts: the sensor itself that is attached to the door or window frame and a magnet that sits on the door or window itself.
When a door or window is opened, the magnetic sensor is separated from its counterpart and thereby knows what happened.
Via a communication protocol (for example Zigbee), the sensor then transmits this message to your smart home hub, which can trigger automations or send you notifications.
Sounds easy enough, right?
What can I use an entry sensor for?
Entry sensors are relatively simple products, but that does not mean they are not useful. On the contrary, they give you many possibilities for your smart home.
Here are some of the classic use cases for entry sensors:
- Protect your home from intruders: Install door and window alarms at all doors and windows in your home and set up an automation to send you a notification if somebody opens them while you are not home. This way, you’re instantly alerted of unexpected guests and can have someone check up on your home before intruders can do much damage.
- Make sure your windows are closed when you leave home: Don’t leave your home vulnerable to intruders by leaving a window open when you’re not there. With window alarm sensors, you can get a notification via your hub if a window is open when you are about to leave.
- Automate lights and appliances: Attached to doors inside your home and connected to a smart home hub, a wireless door entry sensor can take over little things such as turning on the lights or your favorite music when you enter a room.
- Reduce your electricity consumption: Leaving windows open while your heating is on can quickly increase your energy bill. With window alarm sensors, you can set up a notification to not ventilate for too long during the cold season or connect a smart heating system to turn off your heating automatically when windows are open.
But there are no limits to your creativity – you can connect the sensors to any window or door, including your fridge or snack cabinet.
If you are looking for more fun ways to use door and window alarms, like getting to know who always raids your secret stash of snacks, check out these 5 smart ways of using an entry sensor.
Which entry sensor is the right one for me?
Which sensor fits your smart home best depends on 2 things: your hub and your needs.
Wireless door entry sensors need to be connected to your smart home – so naturally, you must choose a sensor that is compatible with your smart home hub. If you own one of the popular hubs, it is usually pretty easy to find out which sensors are compatible: it’ll be stated on the sensors’ website or packaging.
Some door and window alarms come with additional temperature detection or vibration features. Make sure you buy a sensor with the functionalities you want to use so that you can make the best out of your smart home.
Long-lasting Zigbee entry sensors
The Entry Sensor and the Entry Sensor Pro from frient are high-quality Zigbee window sensors. They are compatible with different Zigbee hubs, such as Homey, SmartThings, or SMART HOME by Hornbach. Both sensors come with 2 AAA batteries that can last up to 9 years, making sure these frients don’t run out of power any time soon.
The Entry Sensor focuses on the basics – it monitors the opening and closing of doors and windows and sends you notifications via your smart home hub.
If you want to also monitor the temperature in different parts of your home, the Entry Sensor Pro is for you. It has all the features of the Entry Sensor plus a temperature sensor.
